Ipswich defender drops hint he would be open to joining Middlesbrough in January

It was no secret Middlesbrough were interested in bringing in a left-back to cover for the departed Fabio da Silva in the summer, and they soon identified Ipswich’s Jonas Knudsen as a key transfer target.

Ipswich weren’t keen to sell, and Middlesbrough opted for another full-back in Sam McQueen, however with McQueen’s possibly season-ending ACL injury, Boro could reignite their interest in Knudsen in January.

In an interview with Danish publication Tipsbladet, Knudsen opened up about his current situation at Ipswich, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season. The article claims that the Danish national team do not expect the left-back to extend his contract with the club.

When asked about the interest from Middlesbrough in the summer, Knudsen replied:

“There was something concrete in it, but sometimes things do not come into place as you please.”

The Dane’s response hints that he would have preferred a move to Teesside, as opposed to staying at the Tractor Boys. With his contract up relatively soon, Ipswich could be willing to cash in on Knudsen in January.

“It’s a new situation in January” he said, “We will see.”

If he was to sign for Middlesbrough he would be competing with George Friend for the left-back slot. However, Boro boss Tony Pulis has often opted for a back-five, playing Friend as a left-centre-back, meaning Knudsen would not necessarily have to take the captain’s place in the side.

Knudsen was speaking whilst on international duty with the Danish national side, where he came up against Middlesbrough and Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph, playing out a 0-0 draw in the UEFA Nations League.